It's a hybrid, that is fashionable next to the television. It's a high powered portable console, not to be mistaken with a traditional stationary console.

As I said, this is all semantics. When every device we have is multifunction and are many things all at once, intended use and purpose is of course important, as is function. Is the Ipad touch an mp3 device, Tablet or portable gaming machine?  Is the Apple watch  a watch or a mini tablet device?  Is apple TV a streaming box or a home games console? 

I will end my involvement in this thread by responding to the OPs question. As Nintendo has spent the last decade producing weak hardware for their consoles, this to me feels no different. Rumours suggest this  being a bigger leap over WiiU than Wii was over Gamecube. I'm at least happy that their gimmick this time round will mean more quality games from them, something I think we all agree is a good thing. As I will likely use the handheld functionality a fair bit, I don't mind paying the additional cost a screen and battery bring :)

They probably don't have a dock station with USB and HDMI ports and technology that runs Breath of the Wild, SKyrim or Mario kart, yeah because they run freaking flappy bird and candy crush. 

Its a new concept that puts into question the need of using categories such as "console" or "handheld". People need to drop their old close minded glasses and stop trying to define the Switch using previous and, possibly, soon to be archaic conventions.

This is no different from trying to define people between Straight and Homo without considering all the options that lie in between or even outside the paradigm.

Thinking about it, the way the tablet slides into the dock looks kinky.

End of an era. Such a shame but they really goofed it with the wiiu and I guess they didn't want another try.

Whatever we try to spin it as such, it's a video game console, which plays games. I think we're getting too riled up with debating whether or not Switch is a home console or a handheld. Basically, it can do BOTH! Wanna play it on the big screen with the detachable controller or a pro controller like a home console? Yes you can. Decide you want to take its tablet and bring it with you to another place or on the road like a handheld? You can do that too! Each part can do what the other can't. In the end, we've only scratched the surface of what Switch can do. What can we expect from the games that will be released, let alone what kind of games will we see? What other features will be there? How will it connect to My Nintendo, Nintendo Account, Miitomo, etc.? There's still more we don't know.

weren't you one of the people that swore up and down that this wouldnt be a hybrid?

This.

Ditch the concepts 'home console' and 'handheld', and you have Switch.

ugh... so much ignorance and shallow thinking when considering portable to home consoles.

It is a gaming console. It will be the only one with Nintendo IPs. It will be the only one with exclusives worth a unique purchase. Partner sheet demonstrates it will have the technology to allow all ports as well as the game creators to bring those ports.

Until first year games and real support is confirmed, there is no justification for negative reaction or pessimism.

Everyone is calling it a tablet when it doesn't even have a fucking touchscreen. lol